Genoa have sacked coach Gian Piero Gasperini, following their narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Palermo in Sicily on Sunday night. Despite making a number of key signings in the summer, the club have failed to find their best form under Gasperini this season, attaining only 11 points from the opening 10 rounds of Serie A. The decision brings an end to Gasperini's four and a half year stint at the club, after joining from Crotone back in 2006.

"Yes, I have been sacked," Gasperini told Itlian news agency ANSA. "I did not expect it. I prefer not to say anything now and wait for it all to be formalised. Of course, there is great bitterness." Genoa are expected to replace him with the former Palermo and Lazio boss Davide Ballardini, who will be unveiled by the club at a scheduled press conference on Monday afternoon.

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So Gasperini is gone. I've been following Genoa with a bit of interest the past few seasons and I have to say I'M not surprised by this move. I felt as if Gasperini had come to the end of an era with this current Genoa side and he could do no more with them, so its probably the right thing for Genoa at this time. Gasperini himself remains a talented coach who will no doubt find a new club – ironic to think he was linked to both the Juventus and Milan jobs in the past – so perhaps this separation will be good for all parties.

Genoa have just been regressing the last couple of seasons I feel. They have spent a lot of money (€42m alone this summer) and have some quality players in their squad but they just weren't functioning as a team. Some of their performances this season, particularly away from home, have been simply dire and they were lacking of any sort of cohesiveness or confidence, and they've been slipping down the table the last few seasons now.

Genoa's players have written a statement on the club's official website thanking Gian Piero Gasperini for his work at the club. The 52-year-old was sacked yesterday afternoon after five seasons in charge. He got Genoa back into the top flight after a long absence and also qualified for Europe.

“All the team salutes and thanks Gasperini again for the result obtained and the time spent together,” read the statement. “We shared many joys and few difficult moments. We give a heartfelt thanks for the promotion to Serie A, the consolidation at a high level, the return in Europe after 17 years, the satisfaction that makes part of your history and our history.

“Moreover we welcome the new Coach Davide Ballardini and his collaborators, and we put ourselves at their disposition.”

With big spenders Genoa lying 13th, Scott Fleming pinpoints a scattergun transfer policy as the root of their problems

Genoa’s ascent seemed irresistible. They went from relegation to Serie C1 in 2005 to narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification in 2009, and they did it playing the kind of football that makes supporters sing and pundits purr. A new power was rising, bankrolled by deep pocketed President Enrico Preziosi and roared on by their exceptionally passionate fans.

Until last season that is, when the Rossoblu laboured to a 9th place finish in Serie A. If that was a stumble, this season they’ve fallen flat on their faces. The Grifone enter this weekend’s meeting with Chievo in 13th position, just four points clear of the relegation zone, having disposed of Gian Piero Gasperini, the brains behind their return to prominence and one of Italy’s most lauded tacticians.

So what’s gone wrong? Ask any fan around the world what’s wrong with their team and there’s a good chance they’ll blame their President for not spending enough. That’s not an accusation you could level at Preziosi. In fact, it’s my contention that the toy tycoon has spent too much – and too often.

The sheer volume of transfers in and out of the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in the last year is quite remarkable. The Rossoblu have recruited a whopping 27 players since last January. This month alone Luca Antonelli, Alberto Paloschi, Linus Hallenius, Juraj Kucka, Mauro Boselli and Antonio Floro Flores have arrived, whilst Andrea Ranocchia, Luca Toni, Raffaele Palladino, Francesco Modesto, Nenad Tomovic, Gergely Rudolf and Giuseppe Sculli have all left.

How can a Coach be expected to know what his best side is, or a new signing to find his rhythm, during such constant upheaval?

Even the biggest and best buys, like Miguel Veloso, who by rights should have gone to a bigger club, have failed. It’s telling that despite all the big names jetting into the port city in recent years the likes of Marco Rossi, Omar Milanetto and Sculli, who all played for the club in Serie B, have been the only first team mainstays.

The problem for boss Davide Ballardini is that he can’t speak out without appearing ungrateful. Gasperini had the same problem. He talked up the squad’s potential following last summer’s spending spree, but it was obvious that he was speaking through gritted teeth, that he would have been happier with half as many signings, ones that fitted the specific requirements of his team.

In his efforts to build a team worthy of Genoa’s glorious past, Preziosi has instead created an environment where it is practically impossible to succeed.

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An Antonio Floro Flores tap-in proved the difference and sent Serse Cosmi's Palermo crashing to a fifth straight defeat.

The Rosanero were in crisis after four consecutive defeats and the arrival of Serse Cosmi last week hadn't stemmed the tide. Both Coaches were facing their former clubs.

Antonio Floro Flores was available after his two-match ban was halved on appeal, though Mattia Destro was still injured. Palermo missed Dorin Goian and made changes to the tactics, welcoming Fabrizio Miccoli back from injury and benching Josip Ilicic.

The Sicilians had never beaten Genoa at Marassi, managing only seven draws in 13 Serie A visits. In the opening minute Kakha Kaladze's through ball sent Rodrigo Palacio clear, but Munoz bravely flung himself at the shot to block. Mattia Cassani picked up a muscular problem almost immediately and limped off for Matteo Darmian.

Palacio again sprung the offside trap to surge into the box, but this time Salvatore Sirigu performed a crucial save to deny his right-foot strike. Sirigu flapped at a Miguel Veloso corner, though, and was fortunate Armin Bacinovic dived in to prevent Juraj Kucka tapping in the loose ball.

Cesare Bovo risked an own goal to intercept Abdoullay Konko's cross, while Federico Balzaretti's strike brought a save out of Eduardo.

Palermo had a great chance at the dawn of the second half when Abel Hernandez dribbled past two players, but his finish only skimmed the upright.

There were signs of tension within the Sicilian camp, as captain Miccoli was visibly aggrieved and hurled abuse at his Coach when substituted.

Genoa had a fantastic scoring opportunity as a Miguel Veloso free kick found Konko's free header from seven yards, but Sirigu performed a desperate reaction save.

Palacio's cross glanced off the head of Floro Flores to skim the far post with Sirigu beaten. Darmian risked an own goal when his poor clearance turned into a shot that cracked against the crossbar.

Genoa did break the deadlock with 13 minutes to go. Sirigu did what he possibly could to deny Palacio from point-blank range, but the ball rolled into the path of Floro Flores for the easiest of tap-ins. There are suspicions of offside, though, for Palacio.

Javier Pastore was having a terrible game, but he dribbled past five players to set up Mauricio Pinilla, who horribly ballooned over the bar.

Genoa are reportedly going to sign Slovenian teenage talent Luka Kranjc on Monday, beating competition from Chelsea. The 16-year-old centre-back is captain of the Under-17 international squad and part of the Maribor stable that already brought Josip Ilicic and Armin Bacinovic to Palermo.

He had a trial with Chelsea in December and the move hit problems, so Genoa stepped in to take advantage. It’s reported Kranjc will be in the stands of the Stadio Ferraris for tomorrow’s Serie A game with Cagliari. He’ll then undergo a medical on Monday and put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Cagliari surprised Genoa at Marassi with a fully deserved victory and it's just a surprise it was only 1-0 in the end.

Davide Ballardini welcomed his former club as two teams comfortable in mid-table challenged each other without pressure. Miguel Veloso, Mattia Destro and Juraj Kucka were sidelined, while the visitors missed Nene', Ivan Pelizzoli and the suspended Daniele Conti.

The last four meetings at Marassi had yielded 19 goals between the sides, and four straight wins for Genoa.

Nainggolan and Robert Acquafresca fired just wide in the early stages and Cagliari took the lead. Davide Biondini's wayward shot turned into a cross for the head of Aquafresca from six yards.

It was one-way traffic, as Genoa seemingly hadn't turned up to the game. Eduardo denied an Acquafresca header and Perico daisy-cutter.

Cagliari also rattled the woodwork on the half-hour mark, as Simone Missiroli's glancing header from a free kick cracked against the crossbar.

Genoa finally had a scoring opportunity after 33 minutes when Rodrigo Palacio's curler was flapped out from under the bar by Michael Agazzi's trailing hand.

Cagliari continued to dominate, though, as in the second half Andrea Lazzarri was clear on goal and Eduardo rushed off his line, just about doing enough for the lob to go over the bar.

Then Omar Milanetto needed a desperate goalline clearance following Eduardo's howler in dealing with a set play.

Cagliari dominated the game and yet couldn't add to their one-goal lead, so Genoa had hope of recovery. Rodrigo Palacio flashed an angled drive across the face of goal. Antonio Floro Flores thought he had equalised with a header from Rafinha's free kick, but was marginally offside.

As you will all be aware Sampdoria were relegated from Serie A last weekend, leaving the port city of Genoa with only one team left in Italy’s top flight. So Genoa, after taunting their rivals during the recent derby with banners such as ‘ Bye, Bye’ and ‘See you on Saturday afternoon at three o’clock’ – in reference to the Serie B kick off time, have gone one better.

In honour of their fallen foes, they decided to hold a funeral for the Blucerchiati earlier today in Genoa, and us lucky folk at Forza Italian Football managed to get a front row seat, so check out the reenactment below.

Cesena fought back from 3-0 down, but could not pick up a point in this thoroughly entertaining thriller.

The Cavallucci Marini were in a mood to celebrate after ensuring their Serie A status last week, while Genoa fans could not hide their glee at rivals Sampdoria's relegation with a series of banners. Both Coaches played their final game on the bench. Mattia Destro was suspended with Steve Von Bergen and Abdoulay Konko injured.

Genoa gave a Serie A debut to 18-year-old Mattia Perin, Italy's Under-19 and occasional Under-21 international goalkeeper. Erjon Bogdani went clear to fire straight at the teenager in the opening two minutes.

But it was Genoa who broke the deadlock with Antonio Floro Flores. He gathered from Rafinha down the right and his first snapshot stung tender Alex Calderoni's palms, but Floro Flores got the second angled drive into the net from the tightest of angles.

Rodrigo Palacio went on the counter-attack and pulled back from the by-line for Floro Flores to get his second of the game, sneaking between the distracted Lauro and Dellafiore.

It was the second mistake Dellafiore made in the game, so Coach Massimo Ficcadenti took extreme action by substituting the confused defender. Dario Dainelli also went off due to an injury.

It was an entertaining and open game, as shown by the fact only one free kick was awarded in the first half-hour. Perin was making a sensational debut and flew to palm a Marco Parolo blockbuster out from under the bar.

Palacio made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time, as he sprung the offside trap on a Floro Flores slide-rule pass and was cool as a cucumber to waltz round Calderoni and deposit into an empty net.

Teenager Perin's debut was slightly spoilt when Bogdani went clear on goal and he rushed out to clatter into the striker. Bogdani also buried the penalty by firing under the bar.

It was still a very entertaining game, as Calderoni flew to palm a Palacio volley over the woodwork. The goalkeeper also needed a desperate save on Domenico Criscito's blockbuster from distance.

Luis Jimenez continued the comeback when he sprung the offside trap on a Dominique Malonga through ball to beat Perin from close range.

Genoa should've got a fourth in stoppages, but Marco Rossi drilled off target from point-blank range.

Linked with Milan and Inter, monitored by clubs in Spain and England, Stephan El Shaarawy is a wanted man. But who is he? Antonio Labbate explains

There was a general air of pessimism around the Italian national side last October. The painful memories of South Africa 2010 were still at the forefront of the nation’s consciousness and Italy boss Cesare Prandelli admitted that the talent pool, containing the Azzurri stars of tomorrow, was small to say the least.

Genoa chief Enrico Preziosi didn’t totally agree. With a Mediaset microphone thrust into his face, he was asked whether there were any new Mario Balotellis coming through the Italian game. With no hesitation he responded with two names – Andrea Ranocchia and Stephan El Shaarawy. “They are ready for the national side right now,” he claimed.

While few argued with the nomination of Ranocchia, the Marassi chief’s acclamation of El Shaarawy was a little premature, seeing as he had sent the 17-year-old out on loan to Serie B outfit Padova just a few months previously. Good enough for Italy, but not good enough for Genoa?

Nine months later and Preziosi’s confidence has been rewarded. Ranocchia has become an international regular and joined Inter in January, while young Stephan, although not quite ready for Italy, is now seeing his name linked with the two Milan clubs after excelling in the Second Division.

El Shaarawy was born in Savona in 1992 to an Italian mother and an Egyptian father. Blessed with a natural flair on the ball, he caught the eye of Michele Sbravati, the head of Genoa’s youth sector, at the age of only 11. Just five years later he made his Serie A debut, becoming the club’s youngest ever top-flight player.

“He’d only just turned 16, but I was certain that I had a real talent,” stated Gian Piero Gasperini, the Coach who threw him on in the 83rd minute of Genoa’s 1-0 win at Chievo. “I knew that I had some player at my disposal from the first time I saw him control a ball. He has important qualities that he needs to take advantage of.”

The Little Pharaoh would play another two games for the Rossoblu in Serie A, before the decision to send him on loan was taken. Padova moved quickly and they were perhaps not prepared for what they got. The kit man was certainly caught out, missing a few letters from his stocks, he had to misspell the youngster’s surname on his No 92 shirt by using an I instead of a Y.

Equipped with a Marek Hamsik style haircut, the attacking midfielder, who can also play out wide or as a second striker, wasted little time in becoming a fan favourite. He dazzled in his debut for Padova during their 1-0 Coppa Italia victory against Ravenna, instantly winning the praise of Vincenzo Italiano. “He has shown that, despite his age, he has skills,” the club captain noted. “He’s a down to earth boy, he applies himself as he wants to mature and grow. I’m convinced he’ll do well.”

The former Chievo player was not wrong. Despite picking up an injury which ruled him out for part of the season, El Shaarawy helped inspired Padova into the play-offs with nine goals from 27 games. He also gave the home fans a glimpse of talent that they perhaps had not seen since Alessandro The Waterboy left for Juventus in 1993.

Such was his impact this term that Azzurri Under-21 boss Ciro Ferrara called him up for February’s 2011 game against England – although he didn’t play – before returning him back to the Italy U-19 set-up. Full boss Prandelli has also watched him in the flesh after admitting last September that he wasn’t overly familiar with the player’s ability.

His potential was reportedly valued at €10m by Inter this week, but Preziosi has rejected the notion that El Shaarawy will be sold – even if he is also aware that Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is watching Stephan’s development.

“We have many young players who are doing well and El Shaarawy is one of them,” Preziosi noted of the kid who has played for all of the Azzurri’s youth sides from U-16 to U-19 level. “There are some important clubs looking at him, including English and Spanish, but he is not for sale. He is our future.” And possibly Italy’s too…

Sad to see Criscito depart for Russia. What was the money involved in the deal, does anyone know? Presumably no other offers came in from him, but its still peculiar to see him move to Russia in terms of his own career development, but no doubt he will be well paid.

RomaShield27 wrote:Sad to see Criscito depart for Russia. What was the money involved in the deal, does anyone know? Presumably no other offers came in from him, but its still peculiar to see him move to Russia in terms of his own career development, but no doubt he will be well paid.